Daytona Beach considers cracking down on hookah bars – WFTV

2022-09-25 00:48:06 By : Ms. Camile Jia

VIDEO: Daytona Beach considers cracking down on hookah bars Daytona Beach considers cracking down on hookah bars

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — More changes could be coming to the entertainment district in Daytona Beach.

Neighbors have complained about issues with people being drunk, fights breaking out and vandalism.

In June, the city put in an ordinance to force bars to close an hour earlier. However, the city said closing the bars at 2 a.m. has not cleared out the area like it hoped and people end up instead at the hookah bars, which are open until 3 a.m.

READ: Eye on the tropics: Here’s where you can get sandbags in Central Florida

However, hookah pub owners said they are not the problem.

Now, the city is considering reclassifying the hookah lounges so they would close at the same time as bars.

READ: Hurricane Fiona to bring rough surf, strong rip currents to Volusia County beaches

The city is also considering ending parallel parking around 10 p.m. except for taxis, Ubers and Lyfts.

One hookah bar owner pushed back, telling Channel 9 they are not having the same issues with fights and crowd control like the bars and feel being forced to close an hour earlier would only hurt their business.

READ: Daytona Beach officer accused of choking man and mocking him during arrest

Video: Dozens of trucks towed, arrests made during ‘unsanctioned’ event in Daytona Beach Shores

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.

© 2022 Cox Media Group. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Manage Cookie Preferences | Do Not Sell My Information